LEAVEY IS NOT YOUR ONLY OPTION
By Kelly Kinas ‘17
Attention USC students: There are other libraries on campus other than Leavey. While it is the only 24 hour library, when not cramming at 2am, there are multiple others options for undergraduate and graduate students.
13 other options to be exact.
Accounting
Architecture
Business
Cinematic Arts
Doheny
Gerontology
Grand Avenue
Leavey
Music
ONE Archives
Philosophy
Science & Engineering
Special Collections
Von KleinSmid Center (VKC)
The ones I have bolded are the ones that I think are the best.
Most people don’t even know that VKC has a library. It’s in the basement and super convenient for those living on campus or someone who has 50 minutes to spare between classes. Not to many outlets so be aware of that but it’s nice enough and a decent place to study. Hours: M-H 8am-10pm, F 8am-8pm, Sa 9am-5pm, Su 12pm-8pm
You have probably heard that USC has a library that looks like Hogwarts. Mudd Hall library or the Philosophy library is super pretty. Be careful though. This library have weird hours and is silent. You will be bothering people if you and your friend keep laughing. I would also venture to guess that more people are instagramming this library than actually studying in it. I sometimes do get distracted by how pretty it is and usually can’t get things done. Hours: M-H 9am-8pm, F 9am-5pm, Closed on Sa, Su 1pm-5pm
Now for Leavey. Extremely helpful but it’s open for 24 hours. Horrible because it’s always busy and feels slightly like a jail cell. As if trapped in a horror movie from the 80s, I would rather work outside or at home than at Leavey. Sometimes it is needed but I would use up all other resources before going to Leavey. This may seem harsh but I just dislike it to so much. Hours: M-Su 24hours
Doheny is my favorite. It’s pretty enough so I don’t feel like I’m dying even though I am studying but it also just has a better environment to actually get stuff done. There’s a cafe in the back if you need a pick me up and there are so many nooks and crannies that you can and will find a quiet, serene place to study. I would definitely recommend this one overall. Hours: M-H 8am-10pm, F 8am-8pm, Sa 9am-5pm, Su 12pm-8pm
From what my graduate school friends tell me, the Law School Library is really nice and very quiet.
To find where all of these libraries are click here: http://web-app.usc.edu/maps/?cat=Libraries&id=57
For all Library hours: http://www.usc.edu/libraries/hours/all_libraries/
If you’re not a library person, use some other resources. Most building and apartment complexes have study rooms.
Whatever you do, study on! (and good luck!!)
– Kelly
